Jena, July 10, 2026 – The city of Jena has launched the new “Nimm Platz” campaign to sustainably improve the quality of public spaces. Businesses can now easily set up their own seating in front of their shops to encourage visitors to linger.
- Target group: Retailers, service providers, and other businesses in Jena (excluding catering/restaurants)
- Costs: No special usage fees, only a one-time administrative fee of 18 euros
- Permitted objects: Stable, well-maintained, and advertisement-free benches, chairs, or armchairs
- Application process: Simple process requiring a photo, description, and desired location
New incentives for a more attractive Jena
With the “Nimm Platz” campaign, the city of Jena aims to create targeted incentives for businesses to actively help shape the cityscape. Retailers and service companies now have the opportunity to enhance the public space in front of their premises with appealing seating. This is intended to make spending time in the city center and local district hubs noticeably more pleasant. In a previous video message from Mayor Thomas Nitzsche, the importance of citizen-oriented and vibrant projects for urban development was already highlighted.
Low fees and uncomplicated application
A significant advantage of the new regulation is the financial relief: due to the amended special usage fee statute, the previous special usage fees for publicly accessible seating furniture are completely waived. For businesses, there is only a one-time, low administrative fee of 18 euros. Furthermore, the application process has been kept intentionally simple. Only the following documents need to be submitted for approval:
- A short description of the planned seating
- A representative photo of the furniture
- The specification of the desired location
The submitted proposals will then be promptly reviewed by the Kommunalservice Jena (KSJ) and the relevant municipal departments.
Criteria for seating and contact options
A variety of creative seating furniture such as benches, chairs, or armchairs are permitted. It is important that these are stable, well-maintained, and free of third-party advertising. Interested entrepreneurs can contact the following points of contact depending on their location to realize their project:
- For the city center: Initiative Innenstadt Jena e. V. via email at citymanagement@innenstadt-jena.de
- For the districts: Contact is made directly via the respective district councils
Source:
More space to linger: “Nimm Platz” campaign starts in Jena
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.